DIRECTED BY : Jacob Schoitz
About the Film
The Ending Goes Forever: The Screamfeeder Story
The Ending Goes Forever: The Screamfeeder Story is a feature-length documentary about a band that emerged from the cultural explosion of the 1990's that changed Brisbane forever, and the story of a band that continues to forge their way through Australian culture.
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It was all of it, slamming together to be greater than the sum of its parts. It was the thick taste of sweat in the humid air, and the sound of pounding drums and discordant guitars. It was word-of-mouth, gig posters, street press, cheap rent, and a groundswell so strong it kicked down the doors of the mainstream world and announced its arrival like a tropical cyclone.
Within this maelstrom, Screamfeeder burst onto the scene in 1991. They went on to burn their names into the psyche - and history books - of Australian music. By 1993 they were touring Europe and had a US deal. They were ripe for the picking, but when the major labels came calling…they said no thanks.
They became one of the most beloved local acts of the ‘90s, enjoying significant success at radio and on the festival circuit; 1996’s Kitten Licks delivered on the promise of the band’s early years, imprinting their music on a whole generation, and receiving recognition as one of the decade’s best albums.
Screamfeeder navigated the changes in the music business with good humour, gratitude and a tireless work ethic, and continue to make vital and engaging music. This is the true story of those decades – struggle and success, heartbreak and failure, intoxicating highs and crushing lows. An oral history told through interviews with fans, journalists and critics, fellow musicians, music industry figures and the band themselves, this film is a vivid and compelling journey along the road less travelled.
From homemade cassettes to US record deals, from the pubs of Brisbane to the stages of the US and Europe, it examines friendship, talent, hard work and luck, both good and bad. Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious, sometimes inspiring but always unflinchingly honest.
“I think when you talk about the big four out of Brisbane (Powderfinger, Custard, Regurgitator and Screamfeeder) the interesting thing there is that Screamfeeder is the only one not on a major label. So it’s pretty impressive that they’re even there.” (Magoo – record producer)
Screamfeeder forged their own way: a path built on respect, loyal fans, passion and never losing sight of why they picked up guitars in the first place. A path still being forged, more than 30 years on.
Cast:
Film Details
Completed : 2023
Released : 2023
Running Time : 90m
Screener: Click Here (pasword required)
Country of Origin : Australia
Genre : Documentary
Director’s Statement
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They were great times, and years later, in 2018, when Tim asked me to be involved with making a film about the band, I was immediately interested.
Together we researched the history of the band and the first thing that struck me, aside from their musical achievements, was the importance of chemistry and relationships within the group. In particular, the relationship between Tim and Kellie.
There is a huge amount of respect and love between these two, and it became obvious that this was going to be a major theme within the film. The way they support each other and allow each other the space to express themselves creatively, and the impact when their creative forces combine, is undeniable.
Conversely, there were also times when the relationship with other members wasn’t working, and this served as a counterpoint to reinforce the importance of maintaining the group dynamics that have allowed them to continue their productive output for so long.
Initially, we filmed some exploratory interviews with the band members on their own. But, as soon as these themes of relationships became apparent, I resolved to film them together as often as possible.
In fact, I followed the band around with a camera for nearly 3 years, filming them on tour, writing, rehearsing and recording their latest album, Five Rooms. I always knew that most of this footage was not destined to be used, but my intention was to get them so familiar with me and the camera around, that I would eventually capture their natural interactions and be able to show the strength of their relationships from the inside. It took some time to build that trusting relationship but I’m very happy at the way it all turned out.
In the end, this film celebrates both Screamfeeder and the amazing community they built around them. Things weren’t always easy for them, but their perseverance and belief in each other has allowed them to create compelling music and indelible memories across three fruitful decades. And they continue to show that their motivation was never money or fame - it was always about making music and, more importantly, making music together.
Throughout the production, everyone within the band has shown me the same level of respect that they show each other, and I’m honoured to stand alongside them and present a film of which we are all extremely proud.
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